Day 9

DC KICK, originally uploaded by simongman.

Nestled in a sheltered cove between Simon’s Town and cape Point, Boulder has become world famous for its thriving colony of African Penguins, this was KGS next point of call for our merry band of wandering nomads. The boys walked on a special board walk that took them right into the colony of over three thousand penguins that were peppered all over Foxy’s Beach to within inches of individual penguins.

The afternoon games were played on a field that over looked the magnificent False Bay and its surrounding mountains. In the late afternoon light a fair sized crowd gathered at Simon’s Town High School. The U15XV once again kicked off the first game against local school side Fish Hoek. The team continued where they left off against Hamilton as they showed their skill and strength in all areas. This game was played in a stiff breeze that made passing difficult and kicking a must. Once again Christopher Gale put his name on the score sheet twice, Matthew Bennett scored a diving try whilst William Stover scored in great style as he landed on his back and rolled over in one swift movement (un hurt Mr Stover). Richard Draper scored from a catch and drive move whilst James Gardiner, Chris Gale and Danny Smith all impressed coach Mr Wu. Some big tackles came in from John Leyland and Nick Evans with one conversion by James Gardiner and a penalty by Jamie Roper resulting in a fine win of 30-3. The next game will be a real test we believe in three days time.

Mr Trenhaile made some slight changes to the team that was victorious against Hamilton Seapoint on Sunday last. Chris Travis made his debut for the senior side at flanker and Wasim Riley moved from fullback to scrum half. After a slow start in which the wind controlled the game Kirkham’s forwards gradually got on top. This allowed Wasim Riley to become a real threat from scrum half. Simon’s Town had to commit numerous players to defend against Wasim threat, this allowed space for other players. After fine play from Gregor Aitkin Richar DeCarpentier was able to score the first try of the game. This was soon followed by a try by Wasim Riley after good work from Kieron Brookes. After half time the wind settled down and Kirkham played their best rugby of the tour so far, both forwards and backs were able to inter link in fine movements. Further tries followed, firstly from Kieron Brookes after a well worked lineout option, secondly from man of the match Wasim Riley who scored a fine individual try from his own half. Finally Tom Sanders crossed the line after a number of inter passes between backs and forwards. Richard DeCarpentier converted three of these tries to leave a final score of 31-0 in Kirkham’s favour.

Tomorrow is a big day as we pack up and travel some 250 miles up the west coast to the Wilderness along the world famous Garden Route. Watch this space for that report. Just as a rider to end today's blog, I am sat in our rental car parked outside a hotel in Simon's Town that has a wireless connection. Bit sneaky eh? You have to do it.